Liquid-cushioned outerwear

ABSTRACT

Clothing items including at least one sewn-in liquid cushioned bladder conforming to one or more pressure points experiencing friction or repeated shocks. Distributed through vents and sealed islands define one or more endless channelways to facilitate moisture transfer and assure even liquid distribution with body movement. Associated vented, wicking coverings transfer perspiration away from the bladder and wearer. Preferred embodiments include pantswear, gloves and an improved bladder containing seat cushion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to sportswear and, in particular, to animproved liquid bladder containing bicycle seat cover and paddedpantswear and gloves for the bicyclist, among a variety of end users.

Depending upon an individual's vocation (e.g. working on an assemblyline or driving a truck), or preferred leisure activities (e.g. riding abicycle, motorcycle or horse, rowing a boat or sailing), participationrequires physical contact between the participant and a work object orwork piece with dynamic points of friction and shock occurringtherebetween. These points of contact or pressure points and theresultant heat and stress can over time produce muscle fatigue, pressuresores, blistering, numbness, reduced blood circulation and/or tissuedamage, all of which detract from the participant's enjoyment andperformance. Longer lasting injuries may also result, such as has beenexperienced by workers in the auto industry or in the sport of tennis orbaseball, among others, where carpale tunnel syndrome has developed inthe arms and hands of a number of individuals.

For the sport of bicycling and of which Applicant is particularly aware,pressure points occur at the hands with the grasping of the handlebarsand at the buttocks and inner thighs with sitting on the bicycle seat.Over time, with dynamic changes in road condition, such as transmittedvibrations and bumps and/or varying cyclist movement, the relativelyminute and localized heat buildup and jarrings at each contact point canprogressively worsen to oftentimes produce blistering and soreness.

Although a variety of cushioning materials may be positioned between therider and bike to distribute the contact forces over a broader contactarea, they provide only temporary relief, since all encountered forcesare not directed perpendicular to the rider. That is, a lateral or shearcomponent also exists which is not particularly negated or alleviatedwith most foam or non-flotational cushioning materials, since thesematerials provide more flex in the transverse direction than in thelateral direction. In particular, the rising and falling of the thighsrelative to the seat pommel or the lateral oscillating movement of thebuttocks across the bicycle seat produces friction which is notalleviated by a non-flotational cushioning material. A hydraulicflotational cushioning or artificial blister is therefore preferredwhich not only accommodates orthogonal cushioning forces, but alsolateral shear forces. A hydraulic cushioning also improves blood flow byproviding a greater area of pressure contact, while a non-flotationalcushion allows a non-distributed contact with nerve compression andblood acclusion. Skin ulceration, tissue damage and numbness areparticularly alleviated with a properly designed flotation cushion.

In the latter regard, Applicant in his U.S. Pat. No. 4,504,089 disclosesa bladder containing bicycle seat cushion including a chamber configuredto meet with the primary contact areas at the buttocks and thighs.Sealed, discontinuous shaped voids are provided for cushioning, butwhich shapes have been found to be disruptive of liquid flow andtherefore less effective than an uninterrupted or an endless cavity of amore circuitous construction. The use of a non-porous bladder materialhas also shown the necessity of providing a perspiration ventingarrangement to reduce the build-up of perspiration which can accentuateblistering, if undeterred.

Applicant has also determined that by directly including an improvedbladder in the rider's pantswear, advantages can be obtained, even if aseat cushion is not used. Such a cushion may also be designed to fit thecontact points directly, regardless if a seat cushion is used. Sewing orattaching the cushion to the clothing about its periphery also preventsbunching or cushion movement.

Appreciating further that the rider not only experiences frictionalcontact with the seat, but also with the handlebars, Applicant hassought to reduce stress to the forearms and hands across the palm areawith improved handwear. Such a flotation cushion including glove alsofinds advantage with other work and recreation gloves for gripping asteering wheel, golf club, baseball bat, weight lifting equipment,hammer or jack hammer. Regardless of a wearer's grip, it is in thisregion that the primary gripping forces are encountered. Thus, animproved glove equalizes pressure over the gripping area and improvesblood circulation.

Heretofore, Applicant is aware only of the use of foam or other rigidglove cushioning materials but which, again, do not alleviate lateralshear forces as effectively as the present liquid-filled cushion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Appreciating the shortcomings of Applicant's earlier issued patent andthe variety of vocational and leisure activities which engenderfriction/shock producing contact with a work object, Applicant, by wayof the present invention, seeks to disclose exemplary outerwearincluding appropriately configured hydro-static cushions to cushion anddistribute contact forces and alleviate lateral shear forces atlocalized pressure points.

It is accordingly a primary object of the present invention to provide aliquid-filled bladder which accommodates a sewn or permanently fixedmounting and whereby one or more bladders may be mounted to a variety ofclothing items intermediate contact or pressure points between the bodyand a work object.

It is a further object of the invention to provide for a bladderconstruction wherein each filled chamber provides for an endlesscircuitous liquid chamber.

It is a further object of the invention to provide bladders having oneor more evacuated voids positioned interiorly of filled chambers.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a bladder including aplurality of vented ports, which may occur at the voids, for directingair flow and the passage of perspiration moisture.

It is still further object of the invention to provide for a moistureabsorbent, wick acting, cover member for directing perspiration awayfrom the bladder.

It is another object of the invention to provide for a seat cushionbladder having a multiplicity of endless and uninterrupted channelways.

Various of the foregoing objects, advantages and distinctions of theinvention are particularly achieved in an improved seat cushionconstruction and two alternatively configured embodiments of a pair ofbicycle riding pants or shorts and a pair of riding gloves. Thepantswear particularly includes a vented, multi-chambered constructionwith one or more endless liquid channelways which is mountedintermediate the outer shell of the pants material and covering layersof liner and absorbent cover materials with a vented wicking cover on aninner surface. The configuration of the bladder is adapted to therider's crotch and zone of frictional contact with the bicycle seat,although the wicking cover extends over a larger area.

In an alternative glove construction, a pair of elongated bladders aresewn to the glove palm to diagonally extend from the heal of the palm tothe crotch formed in the space between the thumb and index finger. Anassociated layer of liner material directs perspiration away from thepalm and provides a slippery interface between the hand and bladders. Avented back panel permits wiping perspiration from the body.

In an improved seat cushion, one or more segmented regions including atleast one endless channelway are formed adjacent an uninterrupted endchamber. Interior voids in the endless channelways assure even liquiddistribution relative to body contact. The bladder is also secured to afoam support cushion beneath a cloth cover to minimize heat buildup andfurther reduce shock.

The foregoing objects, advantages and distinctions of the invention,among others, as well as a detailed description of its variousconstructions follows hereinafter with respect to the appended drawings.The description should however not be interpreted in limitation of thespirit and scope of the invention, but rather it is intended to beillustrative only of various presently considered alternativeembodiments. To the extent modifications or other improvements mighthave been considered thereto, they are described as appropriate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view in cutaway of a typical bicycle seat withan improved bladder-containing cushion/cover mounted thereover.

FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of a typical pair of riding shortsincluding the invention.

FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of the shorts of FIG. 1 in explodedassembly to expose the liquid-filled bladder, liner and wicking members.

FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of one of a pair of riding glovesincluding a pair of liquid-filled bladders.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded assembly view of the front panel constructionof the glove of FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, an isometric view is shown of a typical hard,bicycle seat 2 which is supported in height adjustable relation to atubular member 4 extending upward from the bike frame via anintermediate tubular stem 6. The position of the seat 2 is adjustable upor down by appropriately releasing/tightening a compressive fastener(not shown) which secured the stem 6 at a desired extension from theframe 4. Another fastener assembly mounted beneath the hardened outerseat surface 2 (not shown) provides for a compressive yoke mounting tothe upper end of the stem 6 and whereby the seat 2 may be tilted fore oraft. Although too the seat 2 is shown of a construction such as might befound on most 10-speed bicycles and where a relatively narrow profile isdesired, the buttock supporting portion of the seat might be widened tomore directly support the buttocks.

Mounted over the seat 2 is a cover assembly 8 which includes a fabriccover 10 whose lower peripheral edges include an elasticized member (notshown) that mounts in the peripheral hem to draw the cover 10 tightlyabout the seat 2. Mounted beneath the cover 10 in sequential order are aliquid bladder 12 containing one or more heat-sealed regions which isseen about its periphery to a foam support pad 14. The combined bladder12 and pad 14 are mounted beneath a fabric pocket 16 which is sewnbetween the lateral sides of the cover member 10.

Although a pocket 16 is depicted, it is to be appreciated the pocket 16may be deleted, provided the foam pad 14 does not shift about the seat2. This may be achieved by sewing the pad 14 and/or bladder 12 to thecover 10 or securing the pad 14 to the seat. That is, the pocket 16assures that the combined pad 14 and bladder 12 are rigidly securedrelative to the cover 10 and seat 2 so that over time, the cushionassembly 8 does not rotate from side-to-side or otherwise bunch up.Where a pocket 16 is not employed, the lower surface of the pad 14 mightbe roughened or adhesively bonded to the seat 2 in non-movable relation.Alternatively, Velcro™ brand fastener material might be used or anothersuitable fastener/adhesive to secure the pad 14 to the seat.

Otherwise, the bladder 12 is sewn directly to the similarly configuredpad 14, along the peripheral edges of the bladder 12. Specifically, thestitching occurs in the region of a heat sealed peripheral edge flap 18which extends about the bladder 12, where the upper and lower layers ofbladder material are bonded together. Alternatively, the bladder 12might also be heat sealed to the pad 14 along the peripheral flap 18.

Otherwise and depending upon the size to the seat 2, the bladder 12 issegmented into a number of principle support regions 20, 22, and 24.Although three regions are shown, normally the end region 24 is onlyrequired for large seat constructions such as used in exercisers.Otherwise, a typical 10 speed bike seat only uses regions 20 and 22. Inany case, the forward region 20 covers the smallest area of the seat 2and aligns with the forward portion of the seat pommel. The chamber 20is of an uninterrupted construction such that any body weight brought tobear thereagainst causes the upper the lower bladder layers to compress,with the liquid being distributed to other regions of the chamber.Generally, however, no particular weight is supported at this region.

The middle region 22 is fabricated in an elongated construction whichprincipally contacts the inner thighs of the rider. A number of voids 26are provided at the center and about the edges of this region andwhereat the upper and lower bladder layers are sealed to one another.Each void also includes one or more holes 27. Thus the voids 26 act asislands to create endless, surrounding channelways. As rider contact ismade with the bladder 12, the liquid is distributed about thechannelways to other areas of the region and thereby provides a dynamicsupport action with a continual redistribution of the liquid occurringfrom the reciprocal thigh movement. Perspiration and built-up moistureare channeled through the vent holes 27.

Lastly, the rear chamber 24 aligns with the rider's buttocks andsimilarly includes a center and a number of surrounding vented voids 28which define a plurality of interconnecting endless channelways that actin the same fashion as the channelways of the region 22. As the rider'sweight is redistributed from one to the other of the buttocks, theliquid is redistributed about the region 24. Bunching of the liquid atany particular seat region is thus eliminated. Holes 29 formed in thevoids 28 again provide venting which is especially important for thelarger size bladder 12.

In the latter regard and although described for a bicycle seat, stillother bladder constructions can be formed by sealing off a number ofregions of a liquid-filled pair of bladder layers. Each of these regionsmay, in turn, include one or more vented or unvented voids. Someexamples of these latter cushions might be for wheelchair seats or motorvehicle cushions, among other applications.

In contrast to the foregoing cushion construction, Applicant's U.S. Pat.No. 4,504,089 discloses a single buttock and thigh supporting bladderhaving a center restriction or void which extends through substantiallythe center of the bladder. Although liquid redistribution occurs withmovement, because the channelway is not of an endless construction,quantities of the liquid can become trapped in disadvantageous regionsof the bladder. In the embodiment of the present FIG. 1, however, theinclusion of a plurality of endless circuitous channelways at eachregion 22,24 assures that such a trapping cannot occur. Moreover, thepresent cushion 12 is supportable from the foam support pad 14 toprovide still further cushioning to the rider. A composite cushionaccommodating orthogontal shock and lateral shear forces is thusobtained and whereby heat build-up from friction is reduced.

Turning attention next to FIG. 2, an isometric view is shown of a pairof bicycling shorts 30, which are typically made from a Lycra™ brand orcotton material. Such shorts are typically designed to be tight fittingabout the wearer to minimize wind drag, yet flex with normal pedalingmovements. Moreover, such a material facilitates perspiration transfer.

Although a pair of riding shorts 30 are shown, it is to be appreciatedlong pants or a variety of other pantswear from horse riding pants toshorts for sculling to a variety of other outerwear or underweargarments might also be modified in a similar fashion to that describedhereinafter with respect to the riding shorts 30.

In any event, sewn into the buttocks and crotch area of the shorts 30,along a center seam 31, is a liquid-filled cushion insert 32. The insert32 is included to cushion the pressure points which occur at the rider'sthighs and buttocks relative to a seat 2. Although the shorts 30 may beused alone, they can be combined with the above described seat cushion 8of FIG. 1 to maximize rider protection from blistering and fatigue. Theplacement and particular construction of the cushion 32 relative to theshorts 30 may best be seen from FIG. 3.

There, an exploded assembly view is shown of the cushion 32 relative tothe inner surface of the pants 30 and the seam 31. In particular thecushion 32 comprises a plurality of layers of material selected tofacilitate perspiration wickage and maintain the cushion 32 in apermanent relative placement to the pants 30. A liquid bladder 34 ismounted to cover the ischial crest or the "sitbone" of the bicyclist'ship and rests on the bicycle seat during normal seated operation.Whereas the pants material massages the muscles and minimizes frictionbetween the thighs and bike seat, the bladder 34 minimizes friction withthe rider's skin by way of interjecting a constrained, liquid betweenthe seat 2 and the rider's inner thighs and buttocks. That is, theliquid bladder acts to distribute the contact forces over a largersurface area of the bicyclist using materials exhibiting relatively lowlateral shear forces to otherwise alleviate heat build-up with lateralfrictional movement between the thighs and seat cushion.

As mounted, the liquid-filled cushion assembly 32 is sewn to the innersurface 35 of the pants material and comprises a number of layers whichnot only protect the bladder 34, but transfer perspiration moisture awayfrom the region of the cushion 34 as it develops over time. The liquidcushion 34, which is constructed of overlying layers of a polyurethanematerial, as with the bladders 12, is filled with a suitable liquidwhich may comprise water, or a non-freezable silicon or glycerin ormixtures thereof, among a variety of other types of liquids. A varietyof oils or other slippery materials might equally be employed.

Solid materials such as foam and other elastomers are however to beavoided as flotation fillers, since although providing an orthogonalsupport component, such materials exhibit a higher inherent lateralshear force. Consequently, repeated up/down movements of the thighsrelative to the seat produce a progressively increasing frictionalcontact which over time can induce muscle fatigue, soreness andblistering. Road vibrations similarly transfer micro and macro shockcomponents to the buttocks and hands of the bicyclist by way of the seatand handlebars which require a material having both perpendicular andlateral cushioning properties.

The perpendicular component of such shocks is softened as the liquid ofthe bladder 34 is displaced away from the pressure points between therider and seat to adjacent areas. Also, because not all of the liquid isdisplaced and because the bladder walls are constructed of inherentlyslippery materials, a slippery interface occurs in the region betweenthe upper and lower layers of the bladder 34 to reduce the lateral shearforces. Where a seatcover bladder 12 and a pants bladder 34 are used,not only is the cushioning increased but also the slip capabilities.

Surrounding the bladder 34 are a pair of fabric liner layers 36 and 40,typically a velour or thin open weave cover material. They generallyprotect the bladder 34 blunt any ridges formed at the heat seal toprovide a slippery moisture transfer interface between the furthercoverings which include upper and lower, moisture absorbing cottonlayers 38 and 42.

The layers 38 and 42 are typically cut from a terry cloth material orsome other economical, porous, highly absorbent material. Perspirationwhich develops from the placement of the impermeable cushion 34 relativeto the cyclist is absorbed by the layers 38 and 42 and transferred awayfrom the cyclist to the pants material 35.

A vented wicking layer 43, lastly, covers the cushion insert 34. It isconstructed of a chamois, ultra-suede or soft leather material andincludes a plurality of vent holes 44 which are let into anterior andposterior sections 45 and 47. The anterior vent holes, particularlyallow air to pass over the wearer, while the anterior portion alsoserves as a lining. Note, for some embodiments (i.e. undergarments) theanterior section 45 may not be required. Otherwise, the posterior ventholes allow sweat to collect on the absorbent layer 38 which is in parttransferred by the vent holes 54 and associated layers 40, 36 and 42away from the wearer. If the vent holes were not provided, the sweatcould not migrate, thus causing a salt build-up, with consequentabrasion, chaffing, blisters and tissue damage.

The wicking layer 43 is sewn over and to the layered cushion assembly32, which in turn is sewn to the shorts 30. Thus, the bladder 34 andlayers 36-42 are sewn to each other to form a composite assembly whichis secured to the pants to prevent bunching of any ones of the layers orliquid.

The wicking layer 43 is also cut to provide a longer oblong constructionto not only cover the cushion assembly 32 but also extend from a pointapproximately above the buttocks on the rear of the pants 30 to a pointabove the crotch on the front of the pants 30. With the diffusion ofperspiration to the wicking layer 43 and with the passage of airthereover by way of the vent holes 44 and 54, moisture is also allowedto evaporate. The inclusion of an otherwise non-breathing bladder 34thus becomes possible and improves ride comfort.

In the latter regard, it is to be noted that the bladder 34 is cut to anelongated configuration with a narrow forward region 50 aligning withthe thighs and a rear region 52 aligning with the buttocks which areseparated by a heat seal line 53. Bladder size is minimized to reduceperspiration, yet still provide sufficient rider contact with the seat.A similar construction is replicated in the seat bladder 12 of FIG. 1for a 10-speed bicycle seat cushion 8.

Also apparent from FIG. 3 are a plurality of vent holes 54 which areformed through the bladder 34. At present, three vent holes 54 occur ata center void 56 and at sealed voids 57 at each of the rear corners. Anumber of vented islands are thus created within the region 52. Eachhowever is surrounded by an endless liquid channelway which assures thatthe liquid is merely displaced about the bladder as contact is madetherewith, as opposed to being directed into closed ends, such as ispossible with Applicant's earlier seat cushion.

Also apparent is the continuous peripheral edge seal 51 where the twolayers of cushion material are heat sealed to one another, as at theinterior seal 53 which separates the regions 50, 52 from one another.Although heat sealing is presently used, depending upon the material,other sealing operations may be used.

FIGS. 4 and 5, lastly disclose a glove construction 60 which incorporatea pair of liquid-filled bladders 62 and 64 into the palm area of eachglove 60 relative to the cyclist. As apparent from the rear view of FIG.4, each glove 60 provides for a number of tipless finger and thumb holes66. A strap 68 and mating fasteners 70, 35 typically formed from aVelcro™ brand material, provide an adjustable fitting of the glove 60 tothe hand. An absorbent cloth insert 72 sewn into the glove back alsoenables wiping perspiration from the face, etc.

Otherwise, FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the palm forming panel 74and liquid-filled bladders 62 and 64 which are sewn into each glove palmintermediate the heel of the palm and the crotch area between the thumband index finger. Support is thus obtained diagonally across the palmsurface which accommodates either holding the center horizontal portionof the handlebars or the curved, outer ends of the bars. Vibrational andlateral shear forces are thereby alleviated to the hands as with thebladders 12 and 34 for the thighs and buttocks.

Separate bladders 62 and 64 are used to assure that normal finger andknuckle movement aren't affected. By also placing the bladders toseparately align with the heel and crotch areas, different types ofnormal gripping actions are accommodated. As mentioned, such a glove mayalso be used with a variety of vocations to prevent carpale tunnelsyndrome.

Also apparent in FIG. 5 is a fabric liner 76 which covers each bladder62 and 64. The liner 76 is principally intended to provide a slipperybreathable interface between the hand and bladders 62, 64. Some moisturetransfer is also obtained, even though a highly absorbent material suchas provided by the layers .[.40.]. .Iadd.38 .Iaddend.and 42 of FIG. 3 isnot presently used. Also, while vented voids are not shown, it is to beappreciated they might be added as necessary. Similarly, each bladdermay be segmented with the addition of one or more interior heat seallines.

While the present invention has been described with respect to itspresently preferred and various alternative embodiments, it is to beappreciated still other embodiments might suggest themselves to those ofskill and the art to the extent therefore various equivalent embodimentsfall within the spirit and scope of the above-described invention,Applicant requests that the following claims be interpreted to soinclude such embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. Clothing articles including a cushion secured tosaid clothing in a region intermediate a pressure contact point betweenthe body of the wearer and an object contacting the clothing, whereinsaid cushion comprises:(a) first and second liquid impermeable layerssealed to one another and filled with a viscous liquid to define aliquid filled chamber; (b) third and fourth fabric layers covering andslideably mounting over said first and second layers; (c) fifth andsixth absorbent layers covering said third and fourth layers; and (d)wherein said third, fourth, fifth and sixth layers are sewn to saidfirst and second layers in the region of a seal between said first andsecond layers.
 2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said liquidfilled chamber include at least one sealed hole extending through saidfirst and second impermeable layers for venting the cushion in theregion of body placement.
 3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 whereinan endless channelway is defined interiorly of said liquid-filledchamber about said hole.
 4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 whereinsaid viscous liquid is selected from a group including water, silicon,oil and mixtures thereof.
 5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 whereinsaid first and second impermeable layers comprise a polyurethanematerial sealed together to define a plurality of chambers andintermediate of each of which said liquid is disposed and wherein atleast one chamber includes at least one island surrounded by an endlesschannelway whereat said first and second layers sealingly contact oneanother.
 6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein said islandcomprises a void and includes at least one vent hole formed through heatsealed first and second layers.
 7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1including a seventh moisture wicking layer having a plurality of ventholes therethrough sewn to said clothing article in covering relation tosaid cushion.
 8. Pantswear including a liquid-filled cushion insertmounted to the pantswear in the region of the buttocks between aplurality of layers, comprising a first moisture-absorbent layer mountedintermediate said cushion and the pantswear material, second and thirdfabric liner layers enveloping said cushion, a fourth moisture absorbentlayer mounted over said third liner layer and a wicking layer mountedover said fourth absorbent layer and wherein at least said wicking layeris permanently secured to said pantswear material.
 9. Apparatus as setforth in claim 8 wherein said wicking layer comprises a chamois materialincluding a plurality of thru holes and wherein said material extendsfrom a seat region of said pantswear downwardly and forwardly to acrotch region thereof.
 10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 8 whereinsaid cushion insert is constructed from at least first and second layersof a polyurethane material and intermediate of which is sealablycontained a liquid, said liquid being disposed in at least one chamberincluding at least one island where said first and second layerssealingly contact one another and surrounded by an endless channelwaydefined in said chamber.
 11. A cushion for a clothing articlecomprising:(a) first and second liquid impermeable layers .[.heat.].sealed to one another and filled with a viscous liquid to define atleast one liquid-filled chamber said chamber including at least oneisland whereat said first and second layers contact one another andinclude a vent hole; (b) a moisture absorbent layer; (c) a wickinglayer; and (d) wherein said wicking layer is secured interiorly to saidclothing article in covering relation to said liquid-filled chamber andsaid moisture absorbent layer, whereby moisture is transmitted via saidwicking layer and said vent hole to said moisture absorbent layer and anouter surface of the clothing article for evaporation.
 12. Apparatus asset forth in claim 11 wherein said cushion .[.is constructed from atleast first and second layers of a polyurethane material andintermediate of which is sealingly contained a silicon based liquid,said liquid being disposed in.]. .Iadd.has .Iaddend.a plurality ofchambers wherein each chamber is sealed from each other and wherein atleast one chamber includes at least one island, where said first andsecond layers sealingly contact one another, surrounded by an endlesschannelway defined in said at least one chamber.
 13. Apparatus as setforth in claim 11 wherein said .[.working.]. .Iadd.wicking.Iaddend.layer includes a plurality of apertures wherethrough air maypass to permit evaporation of absorbed moisture.
 14. A glove having atleast a portion covering the palm of the hand and including:(a)first andsecond cushions, each cushion comprising first and second liquidimpermeable layers sealed to one another in circumscribing relation to aviscous liquid; (b) a cover member positioned over said first and secondcushions and to the palm cover portion to secure said first and secondcushions in displaced relation to one another; (c) and wherein saidfirst cushion is positioned to align with the heel of the hand and saidsecond cushion is positioned to align with the region of the handbetween the thumb and index finger and such that said first and secondcushions do not contact one another during normal gripping movement ofthe hand.
 15. Apparatus as set forth in claim 14 wherein said covermember comprises a moisture absorbent layer positioned interiorly ofsaid glove. .Iadd.
 16. Apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein saidliquid comprises a silicon based liquid. .Iaddend. .Iadd.17. Apparatusas set forth in claim 11 wherein said cushion includes a plurality ofvent holes through the liquid-filled chamber. .Iaddend. .Iadd.18. Acushioning apparatus for a clothing article covering a body, thecushioning apparatus removing moisture from a surface of the body, thecushioning apparatus comprising:(a) a liquid impermeable wall cushionengaging the clothing article and filled with a liquid to define atleast one liquid-filled chamber having a vent hole therethrough; and (b)a wicking layer in covering relation to the liquid-filled chamber, thewicking layer receiving moisture from the surface of the body andtransferring the moisture to the vent hole. .Iaddend. .Iadd.19. Theapparatus as set forth in claim 18 and a moisture absorbent layer incovering relation to the liquid-filled chamber on a side opposite thatof the wicking layer, the moisture absorbent layer receiving moisturefrom the vent hole. .Iaddend. .Iadd.20. The apparatus as set forth inclaim 19 wherein an edge of the moisture absorbent layer extendsoutwardly from a corresponding edge of the liquid impermeable wallcushion to receive moisture from the surface of the body. .Iaddend..Iadd.21. The apparatus as set forth in claim 18 wherein the liquidimpermeable wall cushion is sealed together to define a plurality ofchambers and intermediate of each of which said liquid is disposed andwherein at least one chamber includes at least one island surrounded byan endless channelway whereby sealed layers of the liquid impermeablewall cushion contact one another. .Iaddend. .Iadd.22. The apparatus asset forth in claim 21 wherein at least one island comprises a void andincludes the vent hole formed through sealed layers of the liquidimpermeable wall cushion. .Iaddend. .Iadd.23. The apparatus as set forthin claim 18 wherein said wicking layer includes a plurality of aperturesthrough which air may pass to permit evaporation of absorbed moisture..Iaddend. .Iadd.24. The apparatus as set forth in claim 18 and anintermediate layer interposed between and in contact with the wickinglayer and the liquid impermeable wall cushion. .Iaddend. .Iadd.25. Theapparatus as set forth in claim 24 and a moisture absorbent layer incovering relation to the liquid-filled chamber on a side opposite thatof the wicking layer, the moisture absorbent layer receiving moisturefrom the vent hole. .Iaddend. .Iadd.26. The apparatus as set forth inclaim 25 wherein an edge of the moisture absorbent layer extendsoutwardly from a corresponding edge of the liquid impermeable wallcushion to receive moisture from the surface of the body. .Iaddend..Iadd.27. The apparatus as set forth in claim 18 wherein said cushionincludes a plurality of vent holes through the liquid-filled chamber ofthe liquid impermeable wall cushion. .Iaddend. .Iadd.28. A cushioningapparatus for a clothing article covering a body, the cushioningapparatus removing moisture from a surface of the body, the cushioningapparatus comprising: (a) a liquid impermeable wall cushion engaging tothe clothing article and filled with a liquid to define at least oneliquid filled chamber having a vent hole therethrough; (b) a moistureabsorbent layer in covering relation to the liquid-filled chamber; and(c) a wicking layer in covering relation to the liquid-filled chamber onan outer surface of the liquid-filled chamber opposite the moistureabsorbing layer, the wicking layer obtaining moisture from the surfaceof the body and transferring the moisture toward the vent hole so thatthe moisture passes through the vent hole to the moisture absorbentlayer. .Iaddend. .Iadd.29. The apparatus as set forth in claim 28wherein an edge of the moisture absorbent layer extends outwardly from acorresponding edge of the liquid impermeable wall cushion to receivemoisture from the surface of the body. .Iaddend.